NATO condemns Russia over airspace violations and drone incidents

Published Aug 12, 02:25 PM UTC

NATO allies convened on Wednesday to condemn Russia for recent breaches of Polish and Romanian airspace, as well as repeated drone incidents across the alliance. In a statement, allies declared they stand 'united and resolute' in defending NATO territory, commending swift responses by national authorities. The meeting followed a series of airspace violations, including an explosive-laden drone found near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany, which forced a DHL aircraft to abort landing. German interior minister Alexander Dobrindt called it a 'very serious security-related event' and part of a broader hybrid threat. Earlier, Poland scrambled a fighter jet after a Russian Kh101 missile entered its airspace and crashed near the Ukrainian border. NATO allies stated Russia bears full responsibility, demonstrating its 'increasing tolerance for risk.' Russia has been cited as a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security since the war in Ukraine.